Compares two brain stimulation methods for depression in adults
Tests a deeper brain stimulation method against the standard one in adults with depression.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Deep Versus Standard Prolonged Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation for Depression
Key facts
- Where
- Douliu, TaiwanSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 70 years old?
Source: NCT07198438, who can take part
Where in Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yunlin BranchDouliu, TaiwanNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- National Taiwan University Hospital
- Trial code
- NCT07198438
- Record updated
- 11 February 2026
- Original description
This study compares two types of non-invasive brain stimulation to treat major depression in patients who have not found relief from at least one antidepressant medication.Read full original descriptionShow less
A Block-Randomized Study Comparing Deep and Standard Prolonged Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation on Emotional Symptoms and Physiological Indicators in Patients With Major Depression
This study compares two types of non-invasive brain stimulation to treat major depression in patients who have not found relief from at least one antidepressant medication.
The study will use a specific type of brain stimulation called prolonged intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (piTBS). The standard way to use piTBS for depression is to target an area on the side of the head called the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). This study will compare this standard piTBS method with a newer approach, deep piTBS, which targets a different, deeper area in the middle of the brain called the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC).
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive the deep piTBS treatment, and the other will receive the standard piTBS treatment. Both treatments are given once a day, five days a week, for four weeks. The study aims to find out if the deep piTBS approach is more effective at reducing symptoms of depression than the standard approach. Researchers will also look at effects on anxiety and other related symptoms.
Inclusion: Ages between 18 and 70 years, inclusive; Diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with a current major depressive episode, according to DSM-5 criteria, as confirmed by a psychiatrist; History of inadequate response to at least one trial of an antidepressant medication of adequate dose and duration; A score of 18 or greater on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D17) at the screening visit.
Exclusion: Lifetime diagnosis of any primary psychotic disorder (e.g., schizophrenia spectrum disorders) or bipolar and related disorders according to DSM-5; Current substance use disorder (excluding tobacco) within the last 3 months, according to DSM-5; Presence of significant cognitive impairment, such as intellectual disability, delirium, or a diagnosed neurocognitive disorder; Any personal history of seizures, stroke, brain tumor, brain aneurysm, increased intracranial pressure, or other major neurological disorders; Presence of metal implants in the head (excluding dental fillings) or any implanted medical devices such as a cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator; Any other major medical condition that, in the investigator's judgment, could compromise participant safety or interfere with the study procedures; Significant current suicide risk, as indicated by a score of 4 on item 3 of the HAM-D17; Currently pregnant.